Majestic Kingston Lacy house and gardens © National Trust Images
Athelhampton House and Gardens

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Stately Homes in Dorset

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Highlights

Dorset is home to some of the most spectacular homes and gardens in the country, all with their own stories and hidden histories. Just imagine these homes in their hay day, playing host to English aristocracy, dignitaries and famous faces!

If you appreciate beautiful, tranquil and intimate settings, you can find your corner of paradise in these lavish and charming formal gardens.

A long list of famous figures

Many of Dorset’s gardens and grand houses have direct links to some of England’s most famous historical figures.

Visit the very cottage where famous author Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 and then explore the Victorian house Max Gate that Hardy designed himself and lived in up until his death in 1928.

Built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh, the magnificent Sherborne Castle is surrounded by 30 acres of stunning gardens and pleasure grounds. The eighteenth century 'Capability' Brown landscape provides a peaceful and tranquil setting with magnificent specimen trees, borders and sweeping lawns. Wander along paths and trails surrounding a beautiful 50-acre lake inhabited by abundant wildlife found both on the lake and adjacent grounds.

Amazing architecture and wonderful art collections

Kingston Lacy near Wimborne Minster was built in the 17th century. It is an elegant country mansion designed to replicate an Italian Palace and is home to a fine art collection. These include paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel, plus a host of carvings, intimate family souvenirs and even an ‘I owe you’ from a king. In the grounds you will find an ancient Egyptian obelisk, a Japanese Garden and restored Victorian kitchen garden.

Athelhampton House is one of the finest 15^th century examples of Tudor architecture and is surrounded by one of the great architectural gardens of England. The Gallery in the west wing exhibits works by the Russian artist Marevna who lived at the house in the 1940s and 50s. The striking Grade I Listed gardens date back to 1891 and are most famous for their pyramid shaped yew trees that dominate The Great Court. The house is also well known for the stunning octagonal pond and their collections of tulips, roses, magnolias, clematis and lilies.

Exotic Paradise

Explore the scenic bliss that lies within Bennetts Water Gardens and follow pathways as they lead you through the series of stunning ponds and lakes blanketed in 140 different varieties of water lilies. The eight acre site of tranquil lakes and a world famous lily collection is surrounded by wetland plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers. Sit and unwind amidst a tropical paradise and explore the shaded woodland walks and exotic plants in The Tropical House.

The 20 acre colourful splendour of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is filled with exotic plants and is world famous for its camellia groves and magnolias. The unique micro climate enables rare and exotic species from all over the world to thrive here and the gardens have won the silver medal at Chelsea and silver gilt at Hampton Court Show flower shows.

Award Winning Gardens

Mapperton House and Gardens is a stunning setting that was featured in the Mail on Sunday’s Top 10 British Gardens. With a gentle walk around this magnificent garden you will be able to see why it’s thought of so highly. The house is a Jacobean manor overlooking the 15 acre garden with orangery, topiary and borders, descending to ponds and arboretum. There are outstanding views of the surrounding Dorset hills and woodlands.

Inspiring gardens and horticulture

With Dorset’s mild and bright climate it’s no wonder that it’s home to some magical gardens and horticultural masterpieces. Take in the grandeur of these wonderful grounds that have been painstakingly cared for over hundreds of years.

Enthusiastic horticulturalists will love the world-famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias at Exbury Gardens. Wander along a riverside walk, stop for something to eat at their tea rooms and take a look at captivating art exhibitions. For mini gardeners there are 20 miles of pathways to explore, play areas and a steam railway.

Laid out in a horse shoe shape, Minterne Gardens host world renowned and unique collections of flowers and plants. Himalayan rhododendrons and azaleas, spring bulbs, cherries, maples and many fine and rare trees all sit in stunning harmony with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. Meander along the mile long trail and use the benches to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings and picturesque views.

Stay a while

With so many superb stately homes and gardens in Dorset, why not take a long weekend to explore them all and find your perfect spot of paradise.

Use our accommodation search to find your ideal overnight stay. Warm up over a cup of tea and cake at one of Dorset’s best spots for Afternoon Tea and check out great places to eat out.

Follow our lively Social Media for fresh Dorset inspiration, updates, news and competitions.

For further information, check out our What's On page for the latest events in Dorset or for more ideas browse our Things To Do page for a vast range of attractions, activities, shopping, entertainment and more!

Number of results:

Number of results: 26

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
755 reviews
Athelhampton House and Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

DORCHESTER

Athelhampton House & Gardens is one of the finest English manor houses, with beautiful furnished rooms. The Grade I Listed gardens are home to the famous topiary pyramids, fountains, newly opened Kitchen Garden, and the River Piddle.

Price Free to £9.50 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
659 reviews
Highcliffe Castle

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

A family-friendly, magnificent Grade I Listed 1830's mansion, built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds. There is direct access to the nearby sandy beach and Steamer Point nature reserve.

Price Free to £24.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
139 reviews
Keyneston Mill

Type

Type:

Botanic Garden

BLANDFORD FORUM

Keyneston Mill is open from 10am - 5pm (everyday except Tuesday). The Scented Botanist bistro has a new lunch menu, socially distanced inside seating is now available and we are taking reservations. Explore 30 acres of beautiful grounds…

Price Free to £25.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1268 reviews
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something for everyone.
Children of all ages will love…
Price £1.60 to £72.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1814 reviews
Kingston Lacy

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

WIMBORNE

Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Wander around Kingston Lacy house and discover the Spanish Room with its gilded leather and gilded ceiling brought…

Price Free to £25.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1261 reviews
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

Abbotsbury, WEYMOUTH

Probably one of the best gardens of its type in the world. Winner of silver medal at Chelsea and silver gilt at Hampton Court Show. Magnificent Victorian walled garden set in 20 acres of woodland valley. The unique micro climate enables rare and…

Price Free to £10.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2117 reviews
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

BOURNEMOUTH
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, world-wide collections and contemporary craft commissions.
Price Free to £20.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1143 reviews
Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

SWANAGE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 320 acre countryside paradise and National Nature Reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.
With…
Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
536 reviews
Sherborne Castle and Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

SHERBORNE
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Public open season from 1st April 2021
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617. Walk in the footsteps of SIR WALTER RALEIGH in the home he built more than 400 years ago. Take a leisurely stroll around…
Price Free to £9.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1237 reviews
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Type

Type:

Garden

Exbury

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is currently closed for winter maintenance. We look forward to welcoming you back from 1st March 2021.
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped…

Price Free to £14.30 Per Ticket
St. Johns Almshouse

Type

Type:

Historic House/Palace

SHERBORNE

Picturesque 15th Century almshouse
Mapperton House & Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

BEAMINSTER
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Mapperton Gardens is now open for pre-booked ticket holders. You can book tickets in advance online via the Mapperton website. Historic House and RHS members can visit free of charge but will still need to obtain an online ticket in advance. The…
Price Free to £10.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
263 reviews
Bennetts Water Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

WEYMOUTH

NOW CLOSED. REOPENS 22 MARCH 2021
Bennetts Water Gardens has now re-opened. There are limits on the number of people who can visit and you will need to book a ticket in advance of your visit. Eight acres of gardens. Outstanding displays of water…

Price £4.00 to £20.00 Per Ticket
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
139 reviews
Avon Heath Country Park

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

RINGWOOD
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
A mosaic of glorious heathland and forest, laced with waymarked trails and picnic spots, together with a visitor centre, play equipment, cafe and gift shop.
Free
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
424 reviews
Lulworth Castle & Park

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

EAST LULWORTH, Wareham
Awards
- Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate. Follow the fascinating story of the castle and the inspiring past of its dedicated owners. Discover breathtaking views over the Dorset countryside…
Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
Greenhill Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

Weymouth

Greenhill Gardens, situated right on the seaside is one of the gems of the area. The award winning Gardens has brightly coloured borders, winding paths, recreational areas and one of the best views of Weymouth Bay and the Dorset coastline ever…

Free
Langmoor and Lister gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis’ award winning seafront garden provides one of the finest views across Lyme Bay. Home to crazy golf and table tennis along with seating for those that simply want to enjoy the view.
Sandsfoot Castle and the Rodwell Trail

Type

Type:

Castle/Fort

Weymouth

Halfway along the Rodwell Trail you'll find Sandsfoot Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect his kingdom from foreign invasion. Abondoned by the military in 1665 it's become an iconic ruin overlooking Portland Harbour for the past 350 years…

Free
Hamworthy Park & Beach

Type

Type:

Parks & Gardens

Poole

Hamworthy Park beach offers an oasis of peace and tranquility from the busy town centre.
Minterne Gardens

Type

Type:

Garden

DORCHESTER

*LATEST UPDATE* Minterne Gardens plan to reopen February 2021, date TBA (usual hours from 10am to 6pm). Minterne is famed for its seasonal profusion of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Japanese cherries and Magnolias are set in a peaceful wooded valley and…

Price £6.00 Per Ticket

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Stately Homes in Dorset

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Things To Do

What's On

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Search Things to Do

Highlights

A long list of famous figures

Amazing architecture and wonderful art collections

Exotic Paradise

Award Winning Gardens

Inspiring gardens and horticulture

Stay a while

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